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Angioplasty is a non-surgical technique that uses a small cylindrical balloon to widen and open the narrowing in an artery.

Usually, the decision to proceed with an angioplasty is made directly after a coronary angiogram has been completed and while a patient is still in the catheterization lab. However, the angioplasty may occasionally be performed later that day or the next day.

A small "guiding catheter" is directed to the opening of the diseased artery. The angioplasty balloon is guided through this catheter, which can be seen with X-ray and is viewed as it moves across the narrowed area.

Once in position, the cardiologist inflates the balloon that compresses and molds the plaque into the wall of the artery. Blood flow is temporarily diminished for a few seconds, and patients may feel pain similar to angina. The narrowing is immediately opened, and normal blood flow is reestablished to the previously blocked artery.

The expandable walls of the artery can withstand the pressure of balloon inflation without rupturing. Sometimes it takes several inflations to achieve a satisfactory result. After the final inflation, the balloon is deflated and pulled out, along with the guiding catheter. Once the procedure is complete, the catheters are removed from the groin.